Franky Carrillo Jr. has emerged as one of the surprising candidates to win the general election in November for the 52nd District of the State Assembly.
His advocacy for reform in the justice system has resonated with various political and societal sectors. One of them is former Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa.
“I believe he deserves this opportunity, it’s very important that a Latino represents that district which has over 50 percent Latinos,” says Villaraigosa to Parriva.
The former mayor first learned about Franky when he saw him in the Netflix documentary recounting his story, the injustice that was committed while he was behind bars for 20 years.
“I think the experience Franky went through can serve as an example to consider second chances, to show young people that there are other paths, and Franky represents all of that,” adds Villaraigosa, now Co-Chair and Partner at Actum, LLC, a prestigious political consultancy.
“Franky can promote policies to provide funds in Sacramento for after school, gang prevention programs,” adds the former mayor.
Franky values the support of the first and only Latino mayor in the history of Los Angeles.
“He has supported me with his endorsement, gives me advice, motivates me. His story is similar to mine. We both had a difficult childhood,” says Franky.
The decrease in Latino representation in various branches of government is also a good reason for Villaraigosa for Franky to win the election.
“He represents our community and his story is exemplary”.
Franky Carrillo Jr.’s story was covered in a previous interview in Parriva and years later, upon being released, Netflix featured his story in the series “Innocence Files.”
Carrillo was wrongly convicted of shooting and causing the death of Donald Sarpy in Lynwood in 1991. A legal team led by the Innocence Project organization took his case years later until securing his release in 2011.
He believes that this experience and his worldview will help him in his candidacy to reach the California Assembly this November.
“I feel that the community is looking for new candidates.” Franky Carrillo Jr.
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